Children's Museums
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
📍 2 Institute Dr, Concord, NH 03301🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM–4 PM |
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Focus
- Space, astronomy, and aviation
- Highlights
- 45,000 sq ft museum, planetarium with 10K projection system, vintage 1956 jet, outdoor Science Playground
- Best For
- All ages
- Programs
- STEM summer camps, planetarium shows, school visits
💡 Did You Know?
- Named after Christa McAuliffe, the teacher-astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986, and Alan Shepard, the first American in space
- Features a vintage 1956 Crusader jet as a primary exhibit, allowing visitors to see authentic mid-century aviation technology
- Planetarium equipped with a 10K projection system, enabling high-definition immersive shows about space exploration
- Offers multiple themed planetarium shows including 'CapCom Go! The Apollo Story' and 'Asteroid Mission Extreme', reflecting a strong focus on space exploration narratives
- Includes an outdoor Science Playground as part of its exhibits, providing hands-on learning experiences outside the main facility
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan to spend 2-3 hours at the center. Young children may not fully appreciate all exhibits on first visit, but the hands-on activities and planetarium shows provide engaging entertainment for multiple age groups, making it worth revisiting as kids grow.
- The planetarium shows are a highlight—choose from themed shows like '3-2-1 Liftoff!' or 'CapCom Go! The Apollo Story' based on your child's interests. Check the planetarium schedule before arriving to plan your visit around show times.
- The outdoor Science Playground is newly renovated and worth visiting, but plan accordingly for weather. Visitors note it's better to explore during cooler parts of the day, especially with young children.
- The facility is stroller and wheelchair accessible with elevators, clean bathrooms, and a manageable layout—ideal for families with infants and toddlers. Some exhibits may not be fully appreciated by very young children, so this is a great venue to revisit as they age.
- The on-site store offers quality learning resources and souvenirs beyond typical gift shop items. If you're an educator or homeschooler, browse the selection as it includes educational games and materials worth purchasing.
About McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Air & space science museum & planetarium. High-tech air & space museum featuring interactive exhibits, planetarium shows & an observatory.
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